John Tilley, Executive Director, “Old Man Tilley,” as he sometimes refers to himself as, came to Coniston in November of 1999. John started camp work as a summer counselor in 1982. Originally from South Carolina, John has worked at camps in North Carolina, Kentucky, Utah, California and Pennsylvania. John’s wife, Tricia was raised in Concord, NH and they were both happy to return to the Granite State. They have two daughters Emma and Annie who campers see around camp each summer. John has become integrated into the local New London community outside of camp with his Rotary affiliation and his passion for chatting at the local coffee shop. john@coniston.org

Jennifer Deasy, Assistant Director, better known to the camp community as JD, she worked at Coniston in the 90’s as the water ski director while earning her degree in Education at Colby Sawyer College. After working with students in both college admissions and residence life, JD happily returned to Coniston in 2001. She administers summer camp including CIT & LIT programs, staff selection & training, program development and is our on-site photographer for the website, postcards and calendar! As a YMCA camper long ago, and past employee of the Concord YMCA she values our affiliation and provides the YMCA Youth in Government caucus for our local high schools. JD is a NH native… but a Yankees fan, how did that happen? Email JD at jen@coniston.org.

Lorraine Newcomb, Registrar, Lorraine joined the Coniston team in 2000. Lorraine is the go-to person if you are looking for registration information or anything concerning camp operations. Parents get ready for info from Lorraine all winter long. She’s fair and focused on getting everyone possible into camp… know that bribes don’t work regarding the waitlist (believe us, people have tried)! Lorraine's two children have attended and worked at Coniston. Lorraine and her husband Joe are lifelong residents of the Croydon/Grantham area. From working in the school systems to being on the school board, Lorraine knows everyone! In her spare time, Lorraine is found working on her log home… the home that she and her husband built themselves… want to know how to get bark off a tree, just ask Lorraine! registrar@coniston.org

Nicole Berthiaume, After School Director, has been connected with Coniston since 1993! Most of Nicole’s family has also worked at Coniston or attended as campers. She has held many staff roles over the years from G-9 Cabin Counselor to Office Assistant. Nicole earned her degree in Education at Colby Sawyer College and we are excited to have her oversee our 5 after-school programs that serve over 100 students and their parents. Adventure Camp programming is another part of Nicole’s role here and she understands the importance of the camping experience as she has also hiked with our CITs up Mt. Washington! Nicole loves animals; you should ask her about her love of the Wildebeest!
Email her at childcare@coniston.org.

Dianne Chadwick, Projects & Office Administrator, is our newest year-round employee, and comes to us with a passion for summer camp, having attended an all girls’ camp in Andover, NH for 7 full summers as a child.  Dianne speaks fondly of those magical summer camp days and recalls many life lessons that were learned and shared along the way. She had a particular fondness for archery and canoeing when she attended camp, and was often the winner of camp archery contests! Her two children now enjoy Camp Coniston, a tradition she hopes will continue for generations to come. Dianne is a long time resident of New London and is well entrenched in the local community. She has a degree in psychology from Denison University, in Granville Ohio, and her diverse business background in Human Resources, Project Coordination, Writing and Editing will be a great fit for her work here at Coniston. dianne@coniston.org

Aaron Turner, Facilities Director, Aaron came to Coniston in 2001 from a local contracting company. His experience and knowledge are helping Coniston perform and work better. Aaron and his wife Roxanne, who has also worked at Coniston, are local to the Grantham area. They are the proud parents of two boys who have just started to participate in the Coniston camping experience! Aaron is a devoted hockey dad… loves his motorcycle… and is an avid Buffalo Bills fan… NY support again for a NH native, is it in the water?!

Dave Savio, Maintenance, Dave is a key player on our maintenance team and continues a family lineage. Dave's in-laws have also worked at Coniston over the years, Ed Hutchins, worked in Maintenance and built most of the buildings for the Dudley Family in the 40's and 50's. Dave’s knowledge and experience helps us to update facilities and add new areas to camp each year. Things keep looking better and better. Dave is well known for wiping out the clutter and overgrowth around the camp facilities. Because of him we have a new cleaning catch phrase… just “Savio it!”

John McNair, Maintenance & Program, John has a long history at Camp Coniston and we’re fortunate to have him here as a year round employee on the team! John started as a camper back in 1993, was a CIT in 1998, and has worked for us since 2002. He is a graduate of Keene State College. John works maintenance most of the year and you’ll see his handy work in the camp signs and program details. He has been the summer Boys Camp Director since 2005!